Cape Verde v Zambia Preview

AFCON 2015, Group B | Monday 26 January | Ebebiyin | 20:00
In all likelihood, by this stage in the group, Tunisia will be out in front with qualification in the bag, and it’ll be left to the rest to fight it out for the last remaining spot in the quarter finals. Interestingly enough, these two sides met in an AFCON qualifier in September last year, where Cape Verde overcame a more fancied Chipolopolo side 2-1. This rematch will be under more intense circumstances, and could well be a decider for both teams.To Win (90mins)Cape Verde 31/20Draw 19/10Zambia 18/10CAPE VERDECape Verde are an impressive side for a country with a population of around 500 000 people.

Their Portuguese roots mean football is a religion for the Islanders, and this showed in their impressive opening draw against fancied Tunisia.

They should get at least a point against Congo DR, meaning they should be a strong candidate for progression.

This means they’ll more than likely be at least a point ahead of Zambia, take the pressure off them to perform, allowing them to play their game freely.

Despite not having ever won this unlike Zambia, I’d like to see a relatively unknown entity make it through, and based on their apparent team chemistry, they could well produce more upsets in the games to come.ZAMBIAChipolopolo will most definitely do everything in their power to not only stand in the Islanders way of progression, but do the utmost to make sure they get through to the knockout stages of a tournament they won not so long ago.

It was in this very same host country that they lifted the title in 2012, overcoming tournament favourites Ivory Coast in an epic penalty shootout.

Their socring prowess of late hasn’t been all that great, and you have to go back 6 games to an AFCON qualifier against minnows, Niger, to find the last time they managed to score more than once.

They’ll have to hope that Cape Verde pick up as few points as possible against Congo DR to assist in making their qualification chances more tangible.Betting Verdict: DRAW 19/10
Something tells me both sides will want a win to secure a spot in the next round so badly, that this counteracts either sides chances of getting 3 points. Based on results to date, this should favour Cape Verde, so you may well see more effort coming from the Zambians. I haven’t seen enough in qualifying stage or their opening fixture, to warrant a punt on the former champions. I would also look for value in the under 2,5 goals markets based on the predicted tight nature of the match. Back the draw at 19/10.Written by The Caretaker Coach for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!Bet on this match now at Hollywoodbets.net! Haven’t got an account? Open one here now!

Disclaimer

Copyright SBN. All rights reserved. Data provided or compiled by SBN, which includes data from a variety of sources generally is accurate, but occasionally error and omissions occur as a result of incorrect data received from others, mistakes in processing and other causes. SBN disclaims responsibility for the consequences, if any, of such errors. SBN appreciate, however, if errors would be brought to its attention. SBN is published weekly and distributed throughout South Africa.

Please note that Soccer Betting News takes no responsibility for any financial loss caused by the following our soccer tips and betting suggestions. All betting posted is at the time of writing, and prices are subject to change. Soccer Betting News is not a bookmaker, and does not lay bets.